a question about warranties or terms

Hi Wally,
I certainly appreciate the fact that you are doing research on this. It is when people, like you, do their research and carefully select a breeder that we stand a chance of eliminating puppy mills and back yard breeders.
In answer to your questions, I believe it is a moral responsibility that breeders have to their customers...but even more importantly, that they have to their puppies. My question would be, why would a breeder contribute to the possibility that one of these defenseless, loving creatures are born with a severe and debiliting deformity or disease? That seems absolutely heartless.
But, your question is why wouldn't every breeder do this testing and offer refunds...the answer is simple...they are either only in it for the money, or they don't have a clue about breeding...or both.
When you ask if people are making money from this, it is hard to believe (given the high fee charged for Labradoodles) but most of us are barely breaking even. For instance, for me to hip test (I use PennHip) it costs $360 for one dog. Add to that the fee to test (at the same time) elbows and patellas and you are looking at about $600 for one test. If that test comes back with bad numbers...a good breeder knows that they must spay/neuter the dog and find a good home for it. So, they have likely purchased the dog for anywhere between $3000 and $30,000 (Austrailian Multigen) and they have proven that breeding is not advisable...so now they add to the cost by spay or neuter and then they try to find the best home possible for the dog as someone's pet.
And you start over with another dog.
Some breeders don't want to know! You see, if they don't test, they can't know if they are breeding healthy dogs or not...so they just mark them down and sell them.
Other breeders test their dogs and find a slightly higher possibility of a problem...but they weigh the good qualities of the dog and decide to breed anyway. The difference is that this breeder recognizes that there is a chance that the some of the puppies could be born with a certain problem...and they offer a reasonable time frame (I offer 3 years) and a good warranty. They let the owner decide. They can either keep the puppy that they love and get their money back to apply to treatment. (My preference, because the puppy is in a loving home and that is what is most important.) Or they can return the puppy in exchange for another puppy.
What it boils down to is the same in this business as in all businesses, people are either honorable or they are not. Only in this business not only customers end up on the losing end, but puppies suffer and die.
It takes a very caring and honorable person to be a reputable breeder. That's why you find that not all breeders are reputable.
Sad, but true.
Still, when people like you put the pressure on and refuse to buy from these breeders, they will stop making money and decide that it isn't a good business for them. Maybe you are saving lives. I hope so! Congratulations to you for caring.

Copy of my Doodle Contract

Here is a copy of our contract -

FOUR PAWS DOODLES
CONTRACT & HEALTH WARRANTY

Contract must be signed and returned within 10 days or is void.

This agreement is between (Seller) Holly Miller and:
(Buyer)______________________________________________________________
It is agreed between seller & buyer as follows:

1). DESCRIPTION OF DOG
The dog sold pursuant to the terms of this agreement is as follows:
Breed________________________________Sex_______ Whelped:___/___/___
Color:______ Dam/Sire_________________________________________________
Adoption Fee:__________________________ Micro-Chip #___________________

2: CONDITIONS OF SALE
Seller certifies that the above described Labradoodle/ Goldendoodle is of sound health at the time of sale. Said puppy has a 2 year health guarantee to be free of inherited genetic disorders from the date of birth.
1). The buyer understands that they are expected to have the puppy examined by their own veterinarian at their own expense within 2 business days of taking possession of the puppy.
a). The buyer understands that if their Veterinarian does find something wrong that the breeder will pay for the medicine required to fix the ailment - not for the veterinarian visit or the testing. A Veterinarian letter and receipt showing cost of medication is required, and any treatment required and expected reimbursement must have prior approval of Breeder.
b). Any request to return the dog to the Seller for a full refund must be made within this period and may only be requested should the dog prove to be sick upon arrival. They are to understand that if they fail to get the puppy examined by a Veterinarian that this agreement will forfeited immediately.

2). The Breeder further guarantees the puppy to the age of 24 months to be free of the following genetic defects:
a). Hip Dysplasia - (requiring pain medications or surgery) - as diagnosed by OFA or PennHip by 24 months of age.
b). Eyes - cataracts or PRA - as diagnosed by a Veterinary Ophthalmologist on or before before 15 months of age.

3). All testing and examinations are the responsibility of the purchaser, should one of the above defects be found the purchaser shall always have the option of keeping the pup or returning it to the Breeder. The buyer understands that the breeder shall refund veterinary treatments up to full purchase price of the puppy or replace the puppy depending on the request of the owner.
a). The hip guarantee shall be terminated should puppy/dog be allowed to become overweight or developing joints be over-stressed at any point during the warranty period. The dog must never have suffered any physical trauma capable of causing lameness of any type, for any duration. Any such trauma shell render this guarantee null and void. Buyer must provide Seller with proof in the form of documentation of OFA rejection and written statement from licensed veterinarian who took the x-rays. We reserve the right to confirm results before a replacement or refund is provided.

4). Said puppy is being sold as a pet only. The breeding of our dogs without written breeding rights under a separate contract is prohibited. Buyer has 6 months to provide to Seller written verification from a licensed veterinarian that spaying or neutering has been preformed. If by the 7th month this has not been done, the health guarantee will be rendered null and void. In addition, any breach in this contract pertaining to spaying and/or neutering may result in repossession of the puppy/dog. Buyer will be responsible for any expenses incurred from reclaiming/repossessing the puppy/dog including legal fees, and up to $10,000 in fines if breeding a Four Paws Doodles Labradoodle or Goldendoodle without prior written consent. No refunds will be issued if any breach in contract results.

5). Buyer agrees to notify the Seller, or allow Seller to re-home the dog should it become necessary at any point during its life.

6). Upon execution of this contract, all veterinary care and its associated costs are the sole and exclusive responsibility of the buyer unless stated above.

3). MAINTENANCE
Buyer agrees to maintain this dog in good health, provide routine preventative health care, including, but not limited to, inoculations, internal and external parasites, and preventative medication. Buyer agrees to provide fresh water and proper quality food in sufficient amounts. Puppy/dog may not be allowed outside unattended, unless within a secure enclosure. Veterinary records must be provided to seller if requesting refund or replacement. If any of the above preventative care has not been provided, health warranty will be rendered null and void.

4). FULL AND FINAL AGGREEMENT
The parties agree that this writing represents the entire Agreement between them and that no other representations have been make regarding the dog described above.
Your new puppy will have been seen by a veterinarian, have a health check up with a clean bill of health, appropriate shots and be wormed prior to your receiving the puppy.

I have read the above terms and conditions and agree to be bound by them.
Contract must be signed and returned within 10 days or is void and is non-transferable.

Buyer:________________________________ Date: _________________________
Seller:________________________________Date:___________________________

If you can think of any improvments just let me know -

Thanks,
Holly
http://www.fourpawsdoodles.com